LOS ANGELES, June 11 (UPI) — Michael Jace, known for his role on FX’s “The Shield,” was sentenced to 40 years to life in prison for the murder of his wife.
A jury found Jace guilty of second-degree murder and use of a handgun for shooting his wife April in the back and twice in the legs at their Los Angeles home in May 2014.
Jace’s 40-year sentence includes 15 years to life for the murder charge and 25 years to life for the use of the handgun.
According to KABC, he told the court there were “no justifications” for his actions and turned to his wife’s family to apologize.
“Why I’m being sentenced to the verdict of second-degree versus manslaughter, that doesn’t matter. Neither verdict brings her back,” Jace said. “But I thought it was important and I hear that it’s important for the family to know that I didn’t commit first-degree murder. There was no premeditated anything.”
According to CNN, Deputy District Attorney Tannaz Mokayef told jurors that Jace was upset April wanted a divorce and was “obsessed” with the idea she was having an affair.
Jace told detectives he planned to shoot himself but instead shot his wife, who enjoyed running, in the legs to inflict pain on her.
Jace’s two sons, aged 8 and 5 at the time, were present during the shooting and his then father-in-law said he called him to come pick up the children.
“My son-in-law called me and texted me and said come get the kids because he shot April, our daughter,” he said.
Jace turned himself in to police following the shooting and had been jailed in advance of Friday’s sentencing.
April Jace, 40, worked as a financial aid counselor at Biola University in Los Angles.
“April’s radiant personality brought great energy to the financial aid office,” Geoff Marsh, the school’s financial aid director, said after her death. “Her love for helping students and families and her great work ethic earned the respect and love of her coworkers. Her smiling face and helpful spirit will be missed by all.”
